Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur your fabulous Kronosaurus illustration.  It is a wonderful drawing of the formidable prehistoric predator of the Early Cretaceous.  Only one species is currently recognised (Kronosaurus queenslandicus).  It was formally named and scientifically described over a hundred years ago (1924).  Ironically, although its fossils are from Australia, Kronosaurus was described and named by an Englishman. Albert Heber Longman, originally from Wiltshire in southern England was the director of the Queensland Museum (Brisbane) and he was tasked with studying the fossil material which had been donated to the museum at the turn of the century. It was Longman who correctly identified the fossils as representing the remains of a giant pliosaur.

Although the size of Kronosaurus is controversial, most palaeontologists estimate that it grew to over ten metres in length.  Caldey’s image captures the power and bulk of this apex predator.  The complex colour scheme was inspired by living cetaceans.  The colourful patterns inspired from a mixture of Atlantic white sided dolphin and the Common dolphin.

A fabulous Kronosaurus illustration. The colour scheme for the Kronosaurus was inspired by living cetaceans. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

A Colourful Kronosaurus Illustration

The Kronosaurus is depicted swimming close to the water’s surface.  It is propelled along by its robust flippers.  The enormous, interlocking teeth have been carefully drawn, and we love the yellow stripe (inspired by the colouration of the Common dolphin), running from the corner of the jaw down the side of the body.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Caldey for sending your amazing Kronosaurus illustration.  Kronosaurus is one of my favourite marine reptiles along with Mosasaurus, which you also kindly illustrated back in 2023.”

To see Caldey’s Mosasaurus (and Archelon) illustration from February 2023: Caldey Draws a Mosasaurus.

Sue and I, always enjoy seeing how dinosaur model fans engage with prehistoric animals. Recently, we were delighted to receive wonderful photographs from a talented young artist. She had taken a dinosaur model and transformed it with her own imaginative repaint. The results are impressive.  We think the new colour scheme is better than the manufacturer’s original version.  Dinosaur model repainting is fun.

Thank you Caldey, for sending your images.  If this is your first dinosaur model repaint, you’ve done a brilliant job!

Our thanks to Caldey and her mum for sending into us some fabulous photographs of Caldey’s dinosaur model repaint. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Repainting a Dinosaur Model

At first, the original model featured a simple, predominately green colour scheme. However, with care and creativity, the horned dinosaur has been completely reimagined. The new version displays bold contrasts, richer tones, and has striking details.  It has been skilfully painted with a particularly expressive nasal boss and neck frill.  The dinosaur model has more personality.

Caldey’s mum emailed explaining that the figure in question was the Mattel Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom Pachyrhinosaurus.  She confirmed this was Caldey’s first attempt at repainting a dinosaur model. Repainting models is a fantastic way for young people to explore their creativity. Not only does it encourage artistic expression, but it also helps develop patience and fine motor skills. Furthermore, it helps to develop powers of observation.  We spend quite a bit of time debating prehistoric animal colouration with palaeontologists and other experts.  For example, we are currently working on our new Everything Dinosaur Evolution Triceratops figure.  What colours will be chosen for our own horned dinosaur figure?

A Confident Use of Colour

Sue commented that she was impressed by the confident use of colour in this dinosaur model repaint. For example, Sue praised the darker stripe across the body adding:

“This bold stripe adds depth and realism.  It contrasts with other markings and the lighter shades seen on the face and the area just in front of the hips.”

Clearly, a lot of thought and effort went into this piece of dinosaur art.

At Everything Dinosaur, we actively encourage young fans to personalise their models. Whether through painting, diorama building, or storytelling, these activities bring prehistoric worlds to life. Furthermore, they help foster a lifelong interest in science and natural history.

So, if you have a dinosaur model at home, why not try a repaint of your own? With a little imagination, you can create something entirely unique.

We would love to see your creations too. Keep up the fantastic work!

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur your wonderful Spinosaurus mirabilis drawing. Inspired by the news of a second species of Spinosaurus having been described, Caldey decided to illustrate the head of this new theropod, complete with its amazing crest.  Caldey has chosen striking colours.  The choice of the orange and metallic blue reminds us of the plumage of a kingfisher bird.  It’s appropriate as both dinosaurs (birds are members of the Dinosauria), ate fish.

The beautiful drawing of the recently described spinosaurid dinosaur – Spinosaurus mirabilis. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article about this new spinosaurid: New Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus is Described.

Caldey’s Spinosaurus mirabilis Drawing

The drawing of the head of the new theropod shows some amazing detail.  The snout with the accurately placed nostrils is charcoal black.  In contrast the area around the eye is a vibrant orange hue.  Furthermore, that remarkable crest is shaped in the same way as the scientific illustrations that were sent to us by one of the researchers.  The teeth have been carefully drawn, and the scarlet tones highlight the integument of the throat area.

A Spinosaurus mirabilis has caught a coelacanth. Picture credit: D. Navarro.

Picture credit: D Navarro

The image (above) shows one of the official illustrations of Spinosaurus mirabilis. Caldey’s illustration carefully mirrors the scientific reconstruction of this new theropod.

Spinosaurus Drawings

Over the years, Caldey has sent to Everything Dinosaur lots of prehistoric animal drawings.  Moreover, we have received several Spinosaurus illustrations.  For example, in May 2020 when new research was published on Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, Caldey drew a swimming Spinosaurus.  Her illustrations reflect how the interpretation of Spinosaurus fossil material has changed.

An illustration of a swimming Spinosaurus (May 2020). The species is Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for emailing the illustration and commented:

“The artwork reflects the changes in how the Spinosaurus taxon is interpreted.  For example, in 2020 scientific studies suggested that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was a quadruped and semi-aquatic.  However, the newly described S. mirabilis is thought to have hunted fish in a similar way to a modern heron. Thank you Caldey for your fabulous drawings.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

As Everything Dinosaur prepares for the arrival of the new PNSO dinosaur model (Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus) we have commissioned a new Lanzhousaurus drawing. The illustration of Lanzhousaurus will feature in the company’s free dinosaur fact sheet. This fact sheet will be sent out with the PNSO Lanzhousaurus figure.  The drawing shows this robust Chinese ornithopod in lateral view.  The mouth is open in the drawing, just as it is in the new PNSO dinosaur model.

An illustration of Lanzhousaurus. It will be used in a free fact sheet that will be sent out with the new PNSO Lanzhousaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Scientific Art Models.

A Unique Illustration of Lanzhousaurus

When formally described in 2005, a cladistic analysis suggested that Lanzhousaurus was closely related to Lurdusaurus. Lurdusaurus is known from the Early Cretaceous of Africa. Therefore, the discovery of Lanzhousaurus supports the theory of a close connection between the fauna of Eurasia and Africa during the Early Cretaceous.

This dinosaur had the largest teeth of any plant-eating dinosaur.  Indeed, it had some of the largest teeth of any herbivore known. Some of the teeth were more than ten centimetres long. In contrast, many of its hadrosauriform relatives had mouths packed with dozens of small teeth.  These formed a dental battery.  However, Lanzhousaurus (L. magnidens) evolved a different strategy to cope with the processing of tough vegetation.  It utilised a small number (fourteen) of enormous teeth in the jaw to create a large, continuous surface upon which to grind up plant material.

PNSO Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus (L. magnidens) dinosaur model which is new for 2026. This ornithopod was formally named and described in 2005.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier article about the introduction of the PNSO Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus figure: A New Chinese Ornithopod from PNSO (Lanzhousaurus).

Why the Big Teeth?

Why this ornithopod developed such unique dentition remains unknown.  Several theories have been proposed.  Lanzhousaurus lived approximately 125 million years ago.  As such, it predates the evolution of true hadrosaurid dental batteries.  Perhaps it specialised on feeding upon tough, fibrous vegetation such as conifers.  Alternatively, it could have evolved to occupy a distinct ecological niche within the palaeoenvironment.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are busy preparing our Lanzhousaurus fact sheet.  It will discuss those remarkable teeth.  The fact sheet will be sent out with the new PNSO Lanqi the Lanzhousaurus dinosaur model, which will be in stock soon.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Thank you Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur a colourful illustration of the theropod dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus.  The vivid artwork is inspired by recently published photographs of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Acrocanthosaurus figure.  The young artist has captured the red tones and contrasting blues of the Acrocanthosaurus prototype.  It is wonderful to see Acrocanthosaurus illustrated in this way.

A beautiful and extremely colourful Acrocanthosaurus illustration. Caldey has taken inspiration from the Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Acrocanthosaurus model’s colour scheme. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Acrocanthosaurus Illustrated

Acrocanthosaurus (A. atokensis) is a carcharodontosaurid taxon named and described in 1950 (Stovall and Langston). It roamed North America during the Cretaceous. Fossils have been found in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Texas and Maryland. Palaeontologists regard Acrocanthosaurus as one of the largest theropods. Size estimates vary but it could have reached lengths in excess of twelve metres and weighed four tonnes.  Caldey has captured the jaw shape and skull of this apex predator.  In addition, the young artist has carefully illustrated the three digits on each hand.

The genus name translates as “high spined lizard”. A reflection of the tall neural spines associated with the vertebrae.  Caldey has skilfully illustrated this anatomical feature, with a high ridge of bone and flesh running from the back of the head down the body.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Caldey for sending into us your beautiful Acrocanthosaurus drawing.  It is such an impressive illustration.  Moreover, you have captured the vivid colour scheme of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Acrocanthosaurus prototype.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned a Sauroposeidon scale drawing.  The illustration is going to be used in the company’s Sauroposeidon fact sheet. This fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new Haolonggood Sauroposeidon figures.  The drawing shows the sauropod rearing up.  This is because the Haolonggood figures are rearing up.

The Sauroposeidon scale drawing. This illustration will be incorporated into the Everything Dinosaur Sauroposeidon fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Sauroposeidon Scale Drawing

The size of this dinosaur is not known.  Based on the holotype cervical vertebrae, it has been estimated that this dinosaur measured more than thirty metres in length.  It could have weighed as much as sixty tonnes.  Size estimates are based on scaling up the Giraffatitan brancai specimen on display at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. Sauroposeidon (S. proteles) was formally named and described in 2000 AD (Wedel, Cifelli and Sanders).

The three Haolonggood Sauroposeidon models. HLG-185A (left), HLG-185b (centre) and HLG-185c the Heterochromatic version (right).

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We commission illustrations for use in the free fact sheets that we send out.  These scale drawings provide a visual guide to the size of the animal.  With Sauroposeidon we have based our size estimate based on scaling up a brachiosaurid.  However, the taxonomy of Sauroposeidon remains controversial.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a scale drawing of the South American theropod dinosaur Taurovenator violantei for use in a new dinosaur fact sheet. The fact sheet is to be supplied free of charge with the PNSO Taurovenator dinosaur model.

A scale drawing of the Argentinian Late Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Taurovenator. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

It was named and formally described as Taurovenator violantei in 2016 (Motta et al). The PNSO Hugo the Taurovenator model is due in stock very soon.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models available: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you PNSO for introducing another fantastic figure of a South American theropod.”

PNSO Hugo the Taurovenator dinosaur model.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Buy Dinosaur Models.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Lurdusaurus arenatus scale drawing for use in the company’s Lurdusaurus fact sheet.  The illustration celebrates the imminent arrival of the new for 2026 PNSO Lurdusaurus figure.

A scale drawing of the robust iguanodont Lurdusaurus arenatus. This herbivorous dinosaur is thought to have measured between seven and nine metres in length. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The new for 2026 PNSO Bakari the Lurdusaurus model is due to arrive at Everything Dinosaur shortly.  Lurdusaurus arenatus was a very large and heavily built iguanodontian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of what is now Niger. Most palaeontologists consider it one of the most robust members of its group. The body was unusually wide and deep, suggesting a barrel-shaped torso and powerful limbs.

The PNSO Bakari the Lurdusaurus dinosaur model.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Lurdusaurus arenatus

This ornithopod was formally named and described in 1999 (Taquet and Russell).  Whilst its size remains open to debate, most size estimates for this taxon range between seven and nine metres. Size estimates are based on the holotype skeleton described by the researchers in 1999. The preserved bones indicate an animal roughly comparable in length to a modern African elephant. Its shortened, sturdy limbs and broad ribcage suggest a slow-moving, quadrupedal herbivore adapted for supporting great body weight. It might have weighed between three and six tonnes.

The genus name derives from the Latin “lurdus” which means heavy and the Greek “sauros” for lizard. The specific name arenatus is Latin for “sandy” because it was found in a desert. The fossil material comes from the famous Elrhaz Formation (Niger).

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are preparing a Lurdusaurus arenatus fact sheet. It is coming into stock shortly along with other new PNSO models.  Specifically, the Caudipteryx, Taurovenator and Tameryraptor models.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Buy Dinosaur Models and Toys.

We have commissioned a Beelzebufo ampinga drawing as we await the arrival of the Rebor Beelzebufo figures.  The drawing will be used in the Everything Dinosaur Beelzebufo fact sheet.  Fact sheets will be sent out free with the new Rebor Beelzebufo figures (Goo Goo Doll and Little Feet models).

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an illustration of Beelzebufo ampinga in preparation of the arrival of the Rebor articulated Beelzebufo figures. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Fossils are known from Upper Cretaceous strata on the island of Madagascar. When first described in 2008 (Evans, Jones and Krause), a body length of over forty centimetres was proposed. The size of this prehistoric amphibian remains uncertain. It had a body length of at least twenty-five centimetres. The largest fossil specimen known nearly attains this size and the unfused nature of its fossilised bones indicate that it probably grew much larger.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article from 2008 announcing the discovery of this giant prehistoric frog: A Prehistoric Frog That Could Jump Continents.

A Beelzebufo ampinga Drawing

The drawing shows this prehistoric frog in a lateral view with its huge, cavernous mouth closed.  The Rebor figures are articulated and there are two different figures to choose from.  One figure, (Little Feet) has extensions of skin over its eyes, a nod towards a suggested phylogenetic relationship to the Ceratophyrinae, termed the “horned frogs”. However, our drawing is based upon “Goo Goo Doll”.

The Rebor articulated Beelzebufo figure. This is the Goo Goo Doll colour scheme (swamp version).

The phylogenetic affinity of Beelzebufo remains controversial.  Similarities in skull bones between it and extant “horned frogs” might be a result of convergent evolution.

The range of Rebor models and figures available: Rebor Figures and Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We create fact sheets as we want to help educate and inform.  Each fact sheet provides some basic information about the prehistoric animal the model represents.  By commissioning drawings, we can produce a scale drawing so that readers can see the approximate size of the creature.  Our Beelzebufo ampinga drawing captures the stocky nature of this prehistoric frog.  Its mouth was huge, and it has been speculated that it could attack and swallow baby dinosaurs.”

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Our thanks to the extremely talented Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur her drawing of Nanotyrannus.  It is a beautiful Nanotyrannus illustration.  Caldey was inspired to create her dinosaur drawing by a recently published scientific paper.  The new study confirmed that Nanotyrannus was a valid genus.  A theropod dinosaur skull found in 1942 led to the erection of the Nanotyrannus genus in 1946 when this specimen was scientifically described (Gilmore).  However, scientists have debated whether the holotype and subsequent fossil discoveries represented a valid taxon or juvenile T. rex.

A detailed study of a remarkable fossil nicknamed the “Duelling Dinosaurs” has reaffirmed the validity of Nanotyrannus. The research, led by Lindsay Zanno of North Carolina State University demonstrates that this specimen represents a fully mature Nanotyrannus lancensis. Furthermore, a second Nanotyrannus species has been named – Nanotyrannus lethaeus.

To commemorate Nanotyrannus being declared a valid taxon following the recent publishing of a scientific paper, Caldey has produced a beautiful illustration of “dwarf tyrant”. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

To read Everything Dinosaur’s recent article about the confirmation of Nanotyrannus as a valid genus: A New Chapter in Tyrannosaur Evolution.

A Colourful Nanotyrannus Illustration

Caldey has chosen to give her Nanotyrannus a striking appearance.  The darker tones of the body contrast strongly with patches of vibrant blue.  The snout, cranial crests, the posterior part of the skull have been coloured a vivid blue.  These colours highlight features of the head and would provide an element of motion dazzle if the dinosaur turned its head rapidly.  Caldey has given her dinosaur a coat of shaggy feathers.  However, not all of the body is covered, and these feathers do not extend over the tail.  Individual scales on this Nanotyrannus illustration have been carefully picked out.  The Nanotyrannus is standing in front of a ginkgo tree. All in all, it is a skilfully composed example of palaeoart.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Caldey’s Nanotyrannus illustration is a fitting tribute to this validated tyrannosaur taxon.  Whilst we expect the decision to erect two species to remain controversial, the recent study provided compelling evidence to indicate that Nanotyrannus is a separate taxon from Tyrannosaurus rex.  Indeed, the research paper concludes that Nanotyrannus was not closely related to the iconic tyrant lizard king.”

Our thanks to Caldey for sharing her wonderful Nanotyrannus drawing.